A charity partnership is to deliver work and social opportunities for young people in the Lincolnshire RAF family this year.
The national YMCA has partnered with the Royal Air Force’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, on its Airplay programme which delivers youth work across the country.
Young people who live on RAF bases will be able to enjoy thousands of opportunities, from arts and crafts to sports and relationship-building, with the help of several regional YMCAs.
The Airplay programme is one the RAF Benevolent Fund’s support schemes, providing youth club sessions on RAF stations to help children who may find being in a military family difficult due to the long time spent away from parents and frequent moving to new areas.
YMCA Lincolnshire will take on almost 20 new youth workers as part of the plans, operating across RAF Cranwell, Scampton, Digby, Waddington and Coningsby.
Youth project manager at YMCA Lincolnshire, Leo Williams said: “YMCA Lincolnshire’s youth service has welcomed nearly 20 Airplay youth workers to provide opportunity and engagement for young people on RAF bases across Lincolnshire.
“It is an exciting time for us all, as we further engage with communities at the heart of Lincolnshire and create meaningful impact.
“Over the next few weeks, we are set to see delivery of the Airplay project recommence across all bases. This will see a variety of activities featuring everything from arts and crafts to youth sports.
“With something lined up for everyone, it is set to be a great year!”
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Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property after being stopped by our roads crime team on the A180 yesterday (Tuesday 24 May).
A suspect vehicle was spotted on the eastbound M180 and was brought safely to a stop on the A180 near Croxton.
It is reported that a large amount of cash, cigarettes and tobacco was uncovered.
Both men remain in our custody at this time whilst our investigations continue.
An independent county councillor in Boston has been named as the new chairman of Lincolnshire County Council.
Councillor Alison Austin was elected into the role at the annual general meeting of the full council on Friday, May 20, along with new vice chairman Councillor Robert Reid.
Councillor Austin has served as an independent county ward member for Boston South since May 2013, winning re-election on May 6, 2021.
She will be supported in her role throughout the term by her husband and chairman’s consort, Richard Austin.
Councillor Austin said: “I feel immensely honoured and privileged to be elected as chairman of the county council. I’ve always held a strong sense of community service, and I will continue promoting positive change across Lincolnshire as chairman.
“Amongst my first duties, will be participating in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This will be a great opportunity to not only recognise the achievements of our longstanding monarch, but also to give communities the opportunity to come together and mark a return to normality after a difficult couple of years.
“As part of moving on from COVID, I want to focus on the future during my time in office. I look forward to supporting the training and development of residents county-wide. We need to ensure we have a highly skilled workforce so that we can attract and retain businesses in Lincolnshire.”
As part of her duties, Councillor Austin has selected homeless and vulnerable people charity Centrepoint Outreach as one of her chosen organisations to support during her time in office.
She has been a volunteer at Centrepoint Outreach for several years and will continue to support the organisation in this new role.